POINTS OF REFERENCE is a music news blog for people with actual lives and/or short attention spans: a weekly selection of topical, pop music talking points fit for bars and break rooms. It’s divided into three sections: NEWS (duh), ALBUM RELEASES (once more with feeling), and STUFF AND THINGS (random, music-related crap from the internet). So, I’m all finished up here. Scroll down, won’t you?
NEWS:
- The first clip from “All Is By My Side,” the Jimi Hendrix biopic starring André 3000, has been released.
- Thurston Moore basically confirmed that he did indeed cheat on his ex-wife/ex-bandmate, Kim Gordon. Jezebel writer Erin Gloria Ryan criticized Moore for his philandering ways and he countered with predictably pretentious accusations of “gender fascism.” Man, “Daydream Nation” (Enigma) was fantastic.
- Famous musicians make tons of money.
- The Smiths’ website now features an interactive timeline. And, no, The Smiths aren’t reuniting.
- Neil Young debuted his
musical fruitcakePonoPlayer at SXSW. In order to differentiate Pono Music from the sonic antichrists over at Apple, he’s requested that we give him our money. Wait. - Priceconomics published a stupid graph based on faulty Pitchfork data.
- Arby’s gave Pharrell $40,000 for his sweaty Academy Awards headwear.
- Surprise! Bill O’Reilly doesn’t understand Beyonce.
- Prince’s breakfast-time specialty is actually the omelet. Also, Arsenio Hall is on television again. Throwback.
ALBUM RELEASES, MARCH 11:
Aloe Blacc, “Lift Your Spirit” (Interscope).
Elbow, “The Take Off and Landing of Everything” (Polydor).
Joan As Police Woman, “The Classic” (Play It Again Sam).
STUFF & THINGS:
- Randall Poster, Wes Anderson’s Music Supervisor, talked to New York Magazine about his quirky soundtrack selections.
- Somber T-Pain. Legitimately compelling T-Pain.
- The AV Club published a “beginner’s guide” to pop punk.
- Chingy is alive, well, and probably at some fitness center.
- “Marvel Music’s Strange, Brief, and Totally Doomed Rock-Comics Revolution.”